The equestrian summer season has been resoundingly normal this year – Sally Cooper spoke to competitors at the County Show to see why they do it
Teresa and Aussie, winners of the Champion Veteran Cup at Dorset County Show
What a difference a year makes! As the summer draws to a close and autumn commences its mellow fruitfulness it seems a good point to reflect on the equine summer that we have all once again enjoyed. As Covid limitations become a thankfully-hazy memory, the equestrian calendar was incredibly normal this year, to the benefit of both the horse and rider. We have enjoyed the return of Pony Club camp, adult camps, dressage competitions, three day events, horse shows and, of course, that oh-so-very British agricultural show. Our own Dorset County Show was back at full throttle for 2023. The winner of the In Hand Veteran Class and Champion Veteran Cup, Teresa, has been showing successfully for years (whispers decades!) and after a ten year break – including the Covid seasons – was so pleased to be back among the friendly Dorset horse community this summer, feeling the buzz of the showing arena once again.
Not the rider! This year Teresa Elson has been showing her 19-year-old veteran (that’s an elderly horse, not a rider classification!) who is a skewbald Irish Draught crossed Thoroughbred, a pleasant chap called ‘Aussie Boy’ or just Aussie to his mates. Teresa had been showing him under saddle (ridden), to the amusement of many; Aussie’s brakes seem unable to work in the arena. Therefore, this summer Teresa changed to in-hand showing (where the rider walks, and just leads the horse) – and Aussie promptly returned to his usual impeccable manners and happy disposition. She was delighted to win her Veteran Class at the County Show, and was even more proud to ultimately win the coveted Champion Veteran Cup for the overall three equine sections. Teresa has several tips for successful equine showing. Firstly, ensure that the horse is fully fit and healthy – watch their weight, as overweight animals are actively discouraged. Do practise in-hand work with your horse in walk, trot and standing still in a square position – this is what the judge will expect to see. In particular, she says to remember that at the end of a day it is a subjective competition – different judges look for different things – and if it doesn’t go your way it’s still been a great experience. And of course there is always another show! It’s always easy to see happy faces in the show-ring, regardless of placings. The general consensus of the County Show group seemed to be that the buzz simply from being there and showing is what makes all the hard work and early mornings worthwhile. ‘It’s all about the partnership that you develop with your horse,’ says Teresa. ‘The benefits that you gain from that friendship are immeasurable, no matter about the rosettes.’
Last year Charlie Saunders launched a premium hedge cutting service, promising ‘your hedges and fencing, perfected’ – it was an instant success
Before …And after …
When it comes to specialised hedge cutting services in Dorset, Charlie Saunders stands a cut above the rest. While many gardeners and tree surgeons will tackle hedge-related jobs, it’s not their primary focus. Enter Hambledons. Born out of Charlie’s vision to fill the niche, Hambledons dedicates itself exclusively to hedge cutting – boasting not only top-tier equipment but also a passion that shines through in every trim and snip. In just a year, Hambledons has experienced exponential growth, illustrating the soaring demand for hedge expertise. This isn’t merely about cutting unruly hedges; it’s about providing the best in the business. Quick, efficient, professional, and priced just right – that’s the Hambledons promise.
Beyond hedge cutting, their comprehensive range of services also extends to fencing solutions. Whether you are looking for a standard wooden garden panel, for sustainable recycled plastic fencing, or if you have specific needs in specialised agricultural and equestrian barriers, they’ve got you covered. Affiliated with the Dorset Council’s Trading Standards Approved scheme, Charlie’s commitment to excellence is evident. Your hedges and fencing are in expert hands. Ready for a transformation? Reach out to Hambledons on 01258 721552 for a no-obligation quote and a conversation about your needs.
The village’s playing field and allotment is a testament to community, sport – and generosity spanning generations. Rachael Rowe reports
Alec Adams
The sound of leather on willow at Alec’s Field in Hazelbury Bryan is all part of a traditional English afternoon in late summer. But who was Alec and why did his descendants recently travel to Hazelbury Bryan with a single cricket ball?
Hazelbury beginnings Alexander Richard Adams (Alec)was born in 1886. He lived at Hope Cottage in Hazelbury Bryan. His father, Arthur, was chief steward to Queen Mary and King George and lived mostly in London, only visiting occasionally to see his three sons. Arthur was keen to ensure his sons had a good education and learned the ways of the countryside. Queen Mary was a godmother to Alec Adams. Even as a young boy, Alec was passionate about playing cricket. He excelled in the sport and was known for his fast-bowling. Naturally, he played in the village team, which at that time was made up of the local squire, his nine sons … and Alec! He was so mad about cricket that in 1903 he cycled from Hazelbury Bryan to Bournemouth to see his hero, the legendary WG Grace, play! The family moved to Birmingham in the early part of the 20th century and Alec was selected to play cricket for Warwickshire. War was declared in 1914 and all competitive sports were stopped. So, unfortunately, Alec was unable to take up his place, but he continued to play cricket for Aston Cricket Club and was presented with a cricket ball in 1926, when he was 40, for taking ten wickets against Kings Heath. Same roots Steve Upshall was born in 1896 and also grew up in Hazelbury Bryan – the illegitimate only child to a single mother at a time when such a thing was deeply frowned upon, and by all accounts they lived in poverty. Steve’s mother was unable to read and write – when he was older Steve used to send her postal orders and she kept them in a drawer as she didn’t know what they were. She died in 1931, aged 60.
Alec Adam’s daughters, Hazel Chidley and Suzette Adams, wearing Hazelbury Cricket Club caps
Steve moved away and made his fortune, but he always kept an ambition to help his home village. In 1951 he purchased a parcel of land to be used by villagers. Covenants on the land ensured that the field was accessible for everyone to enjoy in perpetuity, for both recreation and, with the allotments, for the provision of food so that no villager would ever go hungry. It was reported in the Western Gazette at the time that he also presented ‘a pair of ornamental gates, costing over £100 and made by the same firm responsible for the magnificent entrance gates to Buckingham Palace.’ They were wide enough to allow travelling fairs to enter the field. For the official opening, Alec Adams and his two brothers were specifically requested to attend. Members of the management committee were entertained to lunch at the field, and Alec brought along his wife Lily and their daughters Hazel and Suzette. Afterwards, Alec Adams opened the ground, known forever after as Alec’s Field. Several hundred people were in attendance at the festivities, and the day’s programme of entertainment was ‘numerous and varied’ as reported by the Western Gazette. ‘In addition to the 60-class flower and produce show, there was a baby show, fancy dress parade and a programme of sports.’ There was also a wild plan for an ‘aerial bran tub drop’ in which prize vouchers were to be dropped from an aircraft – first prize being an air trip to Scotland – but this had to be cancelled due to unfavourable weather conditions!
Suzette Reynolds (left) and Hazel Chidley, Alec Adams’ daughters, on their first visit to the pavilion
The Humber Snipe On the day, the winner of the ‘Best Model made by a boy under 11’ was one Christopher Eyres, a lifelong Hazelbury Bryan resident who remembers both Steve Upshall and Alec Adams: ‘Steve was a bright active boy, but very lonely. He made friends with the other boy in the village who also had an absent father – though Alec was older by almost ten years. ‘Arthur had provided Alec with a substantial hen house to provide for egg production, and Alec taught Steve how to grow fruit and vegetables and also how to care for the chickens. He also helped Steve with his education, ensuring he could read and write. ‘Eventually, the Adams moved to Birmingham and Steve moved initially to Briantspuddle as a dairy farm assistant, which he didn’t enjoy, before finding work with a prosperous local builder Johnny Silverthorn. During the 1920s the work dried up, and the ambitious Steve heard that the port of Ipswich was expanding and in need of construction workers. ‘He started as a labourer before launching his own construction company. Steve never forgot his Hazelbury connection, visiting Wonston regularly to stay with his cousin Billy and his wife. ‘His arrival was always noted locally – he always drove a luxurious Humber Snipe! He would often visit my Grandparent Eyres to hear all the news. ‘He struck upon the idea of buying the field he had grown up looking out at, and gifting it as a permanent playing field to the community. A deal was done with Mr George Ross of Wonston, and the field was signed over to the Parish Council in July 1951. ‘Steve remained in contact with Alec up until Alec’s death in 1962, and he never forgot the kindness shown to him by Alec when they were younger.’
Suzette Reynolds (Alec Adams’ daughter), Jim Bettle and Sally, Alec’s granddaughter
A new generation When the new cricket pavilion opened in 2021, Alec’s family were once again invited to attend. Alec’s granddaughter Kay Chidley says: ‘Unfortunately the pandemic put a stop to us coming. However, we decided to visit Hazelbury Bryan as soon as we could, just to see the field and pavilion. While there we bumped into Jim Bettle. He is an extraordinary person, the life and soul of the cricket club, he coaches youngsters and gives his time to the place. Mum (Alec’s daughter Hazel) said she wanted to do something for the club. She’s nearly 90 now. ‘So we got the cricket ball which was presented to my grandfather for taking ten wickets and had it mounted in a trophy. Hazel and Suzette also donated £1,000 to the cricket club. ‘It was such a lovely day. Everyone we spoke to said that this place is the soul of the village and it works for everyone. When we made the presentation, all the cricket club members were there. You could see all the 10 and 11 years olds hanging on to every word that Jim said. ‘The four grandchildren want to continue to keep those connections with the village and Alec’s Field. And when you feel the world is full of people who just want to make a quick buck and then you meet someone like Jim, it’s wonderful.’ Alec Adams’ kindness all those years ago has been returned in many ways in Hazelbury Bryan and its benefits will continue for years to come.
As autumn sets in, this month’s jobs are a mix of tidying up from summer and planning some spring time treats, says gardener Pete Harcom
Choose interesting pots and just a few plants can make a stunning indoor display
This is a good time of year to take stock of the garden and consider what has done well – and what hasn’t! It’s the end of summer annual sort-out in the garden, and in general autumn is also the best time of year for planting trees, shrubs and hedges. Here are a few jobs for the month. ..
Clear up your borders! Remove your annuals and plant up for spring with wallflowers, pansies and bulbs. Cut back and divide any herbaceous perennials and protect half-hardy plants with leaf mould or compost if you are leaving them in the borders. Hardy fuchsias (despite their label) will definitely benefit from this extra protection.
Greenhouse-keeping Remove the spent plants to the compost heap and prepare the greenhouse for winter sowing. If you have shade paint on your greenhouse glass, now is the time to remove it – on a dry day remove the paint carefully with a dry cloth. This will help let in more light and help grab the winter sun’s heat. Using a warm solution of disinfectant, clean pots, trays, staging and the inside of the glass to reduce pests and fungal infection. Finally, move any tender plants (fuchsias, pelargoniums etc), into the greenhouse to overwinter.
Miniature irises are some of the earliest splashes of colour in the garden
Bulb planting As the borders are still full, consider planting up some pots with bulbs for an early spring display. They are some of the first flowers to emerge, and in the grey early months of next year you’ll be so glad you did it. It’s not just for the garden either – miniature bulbs especially lend themselves to creating indoor displays on tables or plant stands, where you can really appreciate their blooms up close. There is a wide range of spring flowering bulbs, corms and tubers available now to grow in pots – and the bulbs can be layered, too. Try placing tulips at a lower level, cover with soil and then plant irises in a second layer above them. This gives a two-tiered display with the irises emerging first and the tulips pushing up through them later as the irises fade.
Mix your bulbs and layer your planting for added interest and longevity in your displays
Here a few more pot combinations to consider:
Smaller daffodils or narcissi with daisies or pansies/violas
Snowdrops and moss work well in a window box
Ferns and fritillaries are great for a shady spot
Primulas, purple sage and anemone
Dwarf tulips, pansies and winter aconites – also iris reticulata
It is important to give bulbs in pots a well-drained soil mix, using loam-based compost and potting grit (two parts compost to one part grit). Top-dress the compost with more grit to neaten it up and to stop ‘crusting’ of the top layer of pot soil. A good general rule is to plant bulbs double the depth of the bulb height – and in pots they can be planted closer together than they would be happy with in the ground.
November already? Gosh this year is whizzing by. Right now you can’t escape the important messages of living well, eating well and respecting nature – and Dorset chef, presenter and activist Julius Roberts is doing just that. We are very excited to support the launch of Julius’ excellent book. So near Christmas it takes away some head scratching regarding the perfect gift for the special someone.
Making the most of simple ingredients, The Farm Table is about unfussy home cooking at its very best – a few good things on a plate, assembled with joy and ease. Winter recipes include an elegant, fuss-free dinner of roast pumpkin, mozzarella, hazelnuts and sage, and a hearty sausage stew. For spring Julius offers baked fish with herbs and asparagus, chicken roasted over lemon, fennel and potatoes, and a lamb stew with pearl barley. Summer is covered with courgette pasta, a ratatouille galette, and a steamed apricot sponge. And right now, autumn arrives with Cabbage, bacon and potato soup (see the video, left), smoked haddock and leek rarebit and pan-fried trout with mash and spinach sauce.
If you follow Julius on social media, you probably feel as if you know him already. He is an avid Instagram and TikTok storyteller, chatting gently as he cooks in his greenhouse, giving his followers a glimpse into what life is like on a Dorset farm as he feeds the pigs, checks on the goats and walks his two lurchers. Passionate about seasonality, Julius shows us how to make the most of what’s around us – from crisp, crunchy apples in autumn, pink rhubarb in winter, asparagus in spring and those first summer strawberries in cream. The Farm Table : A Cookbook £27
Join us for a special event in Sherborne to celebrate the launch of ‘The Farm Table’. Julius will be cooking up a storm demonstrating recipes. Thursday 23rd November 6.30pm for 7pm at The Butterfly House, Castle Gardens, Sherborne DT9 5NR Tickets £5, available online here
Tributes have been paid this month to a remarkable lady who died recently, aged 91. Her leadership made a significant difference to Dorset
Della Jones receiving Cancer Research UK’s Flame of Hope award.
the age of 91, was a dedicated servant to the community – both North Dorset and the wider county. She was first elected to North Dorset District Council in 1974, representing the Lower Winterborne Ward. She was chosen as vice-chairman of the Environmental Services committee just two years later, becoming chairman in 1979, a position she held for nine years. During this time she also championed the viability of village schools and was instrumental in founding Dunbury School. Della was delighted to be made a Member of the British Empire (MBE) in 1987 for her services to tourism and the community. Her achievements included chairing the tourism committee of the National Association of District Councils. She naturally excelled at promoting tourism in Dorset.
The Della Jones Mile In May 1999, Della was elected chairman of North Dorset District Council (NDDC) – a job she relished. She was widely known as an honourable, tenacious, intelligent and charming public servant. Eventually, in 2011 – amid concerns for her husband’s health and after 45 years service – Della retired from NDDC and was appointed an honorary alderman. Her lifetime of community service also included 21 years as a Dorset county councillor. In 2017 she attended the final meeting of members and former members of NDDC at Nordon in Blandford, when the council became part of the Dorset Councils Partnership – and then of Dorset Council. She said Nordon had been the nerve centre of her community activities for more than 45 years, and it had been ‘an enormous privilege and honour to be elected to represent local folk’. As a breast cancer survivor, Della’s nominated chairman’s charity was Cancer Research UK, of which she was the Dorset Patron. In 2012 she was presented with a Flame of Hope honorary fellowship award from Cancer Research UK for spearheading the fundraising of an incredible £250,000 for the charity. In addition to her council work, Della was a school governor and chairman of governors at The Blandford School for many years. She established the Della Jones Mile, a four lap race at The Blandford School. The race has been held annually for more than 45 years and Della was always at the annual sports day in person to present the trophy to the winner. Sally Wilson, Headteacher at Blandford School said: ‘Della will be fondly remembered for her generous support of young people, her energy, enthusiasm and zest. The Della Jones Mile is her legacy.’
Who’s in charge? Della was married to David for more than 65 years until his death in 2016. The couple met in 1947 on Leigh-on-Sea railway station in Essex where David literally fell into Della’s arms! They were married in Romford and lived in several locations before moving to Dorset in the 1960s. They settled in Winterborne Zelston, where they ran the Red Post Filling Station and developed their smallholding at Middle Farm. The couple had two daughters and two grandchildren. They celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary in 2017, when they shared the success of their marriage, saying: ‘Only one of us is in charge!’ When asked which one was the boss, without giving the game away, Della responded: ‘That’s the secret of our success.’ When the Somerset and Dorset Railway closed in the 1960s, the couple worked to secure a lasting reminder by installing the buffer-stop at the ‘end of the line’ in Station Court, Blandford. They also ensured the retention of one of the 1862/63 flood arches over the Stour. Della and David spent much of their retirement travelling on some of the world’s greatest railway journeys. After David died, Della continued to support her charities with passion and commitment, while enjoying the warmth of her family and many friends. Fanny Charles, former editor of the BVM, who knew Della for many years, said: ‘Della loved people – and they loved her. She was a wonderful public servant.’ Councillor Val Pothecary, chairman of Dorset Council, said: ‘I feel very fortunate to have been counted among those friends. She was an inspiration to many, a warm human being, and a devoted family woman. Rest in peace dear Della … and thank you for a job well done.’ Much of the work of councillors goes unseen. Della dedicated her life to community service and her leadership made a significant difference to Dorset.
Don’t hibernate – light the fire, heat the chocolate and stay outside, says Thorngrove’s Kelsi-Dean Buck. And yes, there is such a thing as a free lunch!
Autumn is upon us! I think this might be my favourite time of year. I much prefer being able to wear my favourite jumpers, warm up with a hot chocolate, and feel the leaves crunching under my feet. Many of us often think of our gardens as going into hibernation now, but there’s so much to do to enhance your garden space, maintain vibrancy, and of course plan ahead so your spring garden flourishes! Now is the time to plant spring-blooming bulbs like tulips, daffodils, and crocuses. The cooler autumn soil is perfect for their establishment. Decorate your garden with pumpkins, gourds, and squashes for a classic autumn feel. Create unique arrangements and even carve some for Halloween – maybe consider an autumn wreath for your door! Install bird feeders and bird baths to attract local wildlife. As the weather gets colder, birds will appreciate a food source in your garden. Maybe add a fire pit or outdoor fireplace to extend your garden enjoyment into the cooler evenings. Perfect for roasting marshmallows or sipping that hot chocolate … or mulled wine … (yes, it will be here before you know it). We’ve recently added a stunning range from Smart Garden to the shop, including the most superb plushie pumpkins – do come and have a look! For more garden inspiration and tips be sure to follow us on social media. You’ll often find deals of the week, and plant of the month too. There’s always something to help you make the most of your garden whatever the season.
What else are we up to? We’ve been filling up the diary with events! We’re delighted to confirm Laura Jackson of Summer Lane will be bringing a Macramé Workshop to us on Saturday 7th October (11am-1pm), and a Decoupage (seasonally themed) workshop on Saturday 11th Nov. Booking for both is open now. Craft Workshops for Children return this October half term. Bring the little ones to join our crafts-queen Tracey to make some unique seasonal creations (including custom Jam Jar Lanterns!) to take home with you. Safe for little hands, and perfect for the upcoming spookiest time of the year. Booking advised to avoid disappointment. Full details for all events are on our website (or see our ad in the BV) I hate to say it but Christmas is around the corner: as I write we’re just working out the final details but we hope to have ‘Breakfast with Santa’ and a GROTTO here at Thorngrove! Keep your eyes on the social media and website for dates and booking. In the Secret Garden Café our buy one lunch get one FREE offer continues every Tuesday and Thursday – and our new menu should have launched by the time you read this! OK, that just about covers it … now, where’s that hot chocolate? See you in the Garden Centre and Café soon!
Required to work as part of our friendly and hard-working team.
You will be required to work 20 hours per week for 38 weeks per year, weekday mornings with an 08:30am or 9am start and some Saturday mornings on a rota. Some cleaning experience in a similar role is preferred but not essential.
A competitive salary and attractive benefits are provided for the successful candidate.
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